How does the mediation process work?
Simply defined, mediation is a process wherein a trained neutral assists parties in developing a cooperative, self-determined resolution to the issues in their dispute. Typically sessions are confidential with no statements revealed to anyone not a party to the mediation. As a non-adversarial method of dispute resolution the goal of mediation is a “win-win” conclusion that derives from the mutual interest of the participants rather than a “win-lose” outcome resulting from a third-party decision.

Parties retain their ability to obtain a resolution to their dispute in situations when mediation does not result in a settlement. In a court-referred case, for example, issues not resolved in mediation are heard by the court and decided on by a magistrate, judge, or jury. Similarly, parties with a complaint about follow through on a mediated agreement are often entitled to relief in court.

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1. How does the mediation process work?
2. What roles do the participants have in a mediation session?
3. How confidential is mediation?
4. What types of disputes are appropriate for mediation?
5. How does mediation differ from other types of dispute resolution?